New information released on baby found in river

WINONA, Minnesota (WXOW) - New information is released and a search is on for the mother of the baby found earlier this month in the Mississippi River near Winona.

Winona Co. Sheriff Dave Brand and members of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension held a news conference in Winona Tuesday morning the baby they now call "Angel".

"I feel the infant should have a name so we are calling her Angel because she was found with angel figurines. We hope to find the mother of the infant so we can give her a last name," said Sheriff Brand.

The infant was found wrapped in a canvass bag by a boater on September 5th. Although autopsy reports weren't complete, authorities believe that the child had been in the river for only about a day.

Leads investigators also said the mother had an unassisted and unattended birth.

Authorities displayed a series of photos of items found with the child. She was wrapped in a green shirt with a picture of a piece of toast on it, then wrapped in two garbage bags. A piece of purple jewelry was inside the bag as well.

Two angel bell figurines and two other angel figurines were also wrapped up in plastic and placed in the canvas bag. The outside of the bag was marked with the Mexican resort of Manzanillo.

Authorities are asking for the public's help in identifying these items.

While nothing specific links the cases, Winona County investigators have checked with Goodhue County about a several infants found in the river in that county.

Both the Winona County Sheriff's Department and BCA are asking for help in finding either the mother of the newborn or the father.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Winona County Sheriff's Department at 507-457-6530.